Event Planning

Congratulations! You have decided to participate in creating an event with your organization for the campus community to enjoy! Effective planning is very important to the success of your event and the time you spend planning will help your program succeed. The amount of time you will need depends on how much time your are willing to spend developing and implementing your program. The process will be different for each event- since specifics of each event will vary. The following will outline the steps you need to take to have an effective event. Remember program planning is a learning experience and you may encounter difficulty along the way.
Feel free to come to Student Activities if you would like discuss your event or need assistant with the event planning process.

Step 1: Decide on Event and Determine Goals
What is your program?
What will your program accomplish?
Who will benefit?
What is the purpose and goals of the program? Recruitment? Provide service to the college? Have fun?
Is your program realistic and can it be done? Will your group be able to implement the event? Are students interested in this event?
Create a timeline in order to accomplish your tasks.

Step 2: Secure FundingStudent organizations can receive funding for events through the Student Finance Committee of the Self-Government Association. Budget hearings are held during the second week of classes each semester.

Budgeting tip: Be realistic about costs. Ask if you will need to pay for hotel, food, travel, security, etc. and incorporate these costs into your itemized budget.

Step 3: Select Date and LocationWhen and where will your event be held?

Your organization may want to have several dates and locations in mind since your first choice may not be available.

Also, please review the college calendarto determine what else is happening on campus on your selected date. This will prevent major events from occurring on the same date.
Most importantly, be realistic about the location! For example- if your event is a movie, reserve a space that is conducive to watching a movie.

Step 4: Reserve Space
Space on campus is reservered through the Office of Conferences and Events (x7329, located on the lower lever of the Campus Center). Since campus facilities are in constant demand it is in your organization's best interest to reserve the space well in advance of your event. Also, be sure to reserve the space prior to contracting an artist.

Students should become familiar with the online room reservation system. You will be expected to complete the online form and submit the information for publiciation on the College Calendar.

When completeing the room reservation form you should know the following:

1. Room Set-up- What does your organization want the room to look like?

2. Equipment and Technical Needs- Does your organization need tables, chairs, etc. for the event? Also, what are the technical needs of the artist? Will you need to provide sound, microphones or other technical equipment? Does the artist need a dressing room?